BMW expands recall on fire risk to 1.6 million diesel vehicles
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BMW is recalling about 1.6 million diesel cars to fix a potential fire hazard in their engines, expanding repairs from just under half a million vehicles in Europe and Asia. The voluntary service action follows a BMW investigation that found coolant could leak from the car’s exhaust recirculation unit. The defect can lead to sparks while driving and cause fires in “in extreme cases,” the automaker said Tuesday in a statement.
South Korea’s government, after reports of 40 fires this year, asked drivers to keep vehicles off roads until undergoing checks. Police also raided the automaker’s office in Seoul to probe the safety issue, after videos of cars engulfed by fire went viral.
The vehicles affected — diesels with four- and six-cylinder engines — were produced between 2010 and 2017, BMW said.
After the initial recall announced in August, BMW’s internal investigation found more vehicles with similar technical setups. The company said it will replace the components as necessary.
BMW last month cut its profit forecast, blaming an increase in warranty provisions alongside trade tensions and pricing pressure.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the specific defect causing the fire risk in BMW diesel vehicles?
What is the specific defect causing the fire risk in BMW diesel vehicles?
BMW's investigation found that coolant could leak from the car’s exhaust gas recirculation unit. This defect can lead to sparks while driving, which may cause fires in extreme cases.
Q.Which specific BMW vehicles are affected by this expanded recall?
Which specific BMW vehicles are affected by this expanded recall?
The recall affects diesel vehicles equipped with four- and six-cylinder engines. These particular vehicles were produced between the years 2010 and 2017, according to BMW's statement.
Q.What prompted the initial scrutiny and actions regarding the fire risk?
What prompted the initial scrutiny and actions regarding the fire risk?
South Korea's government requested drivers keep vehicles off roads after 40 fires were reported this year. Police also raided BMW's Seoul office to investigate the safety issue after viral videos emerged.
Q.How might this expanded recall impact BMW's financial performance?
How might this expanded recall impact BMW's financial performance?
BMW recently cut its profit forecast, partially attributing this decision to an increase in warranty provisions. This suggests the recall's costs, including component replacement, will negatively affect profitability.